FATE

24.

Suddenly, Hyuri and Jeong bumped into each other, feeling the tension between them. When Hyuri already passed by, he then spoke to Jeong. "Jeong, I'm curious about Won and quite interested in him, is it okay if I ask for a simple dinner with Won? Just a friendly dinner though. You know like getting to know each other." He smiled treacherously.

"Sunbae, why asked me though? You can ask Won yourself." Jeong answered plainly.

"Oh, yeah maybe your right. I'll ask him directly. He will say yes for sure," he glared and left.

Jeong fumed as Hyuri sauntered away, a cold sweat prickling his palms. Dinner with Won? Just the two of them? It felt like a declaration of war, a blatant attempt to stake his claim on Jeong's forbidden territory. The possessiveness that had been simmering beneath the surface these past few days boiled over.

He whirled around, searching for Won. There, across the room, Won was deep in conversation with Hyuri. Jeong gritted his teeth. He stalked towards them. He had to act, to assert his unspoken claim without revealing their secret. As he neared, he brushed past Hyuri, the contact deliberate, a silent message.

Reaching Won, Jeong leaned in, his voice low and husky, "Hey, love. Wanna grab some coffee? I need a caffeine break."

Won turned, his smile faltering slightly at the sight of Jeong's tense jaw. "Sure, hyung. Just give me a sec to finish here."

"No worries," Jeong said, his gaze flickering to Hyuri. "We can wait."

Hyuri, sensing the shift in the atmosphere, cleared his throat. "Actually, Won-ssi, maybe we can reschedule this chat for another time. It seems Jeong needs your attention more urgently."

Jeong forced a smile, all sweetness. "Not at all, Sunbaenim. Won can help you out after our coffee break."

The tension hung heavy in the air. Won, ever the diplomat, stepped in. "Hyuri-sunbaenim, let's pick this up later, okay? Jeong does look like he needs a break."

Hyuri, with a curt nod, finally retreated, leaving Jeong and Won alone. As they walked away, Jeong stole a glance at Won, his expression a mix of relief and apology. "Sorry about that, love. I just... needed to get you away."

Won, his eyes twinkling with amusement, squeezed Jeong's hand. "Coffee sounds good. But next time, maybe a less dramatic exit?"

Jeong chuckled, a knot loosening in his chest. "Deal. But seriously, are you okay with Hyuri asking you out for dinner?"

Won raised an eyebrow. "Dinner? Didn't he just mention needing some help with choreography?"

Jeong flushed, realizing his insecurities had blown things out of proportion. "Oh. Right. Maybe."

Won laughed, a warm, rich sound. "Hyung, you're adorable. But trust me, Hyuri-sunbaenim is just a friend." He leaned closer, his voice dropping to a murmur. "Besides, who else gets to steal coffee breaks with the leader? Hyung..I'm yours only."

Jeong's heart soared. Relief and a surge of possessiveness, this time directed at Won, washed over him. As they walked towards the cafe, their hands brushed, a silent promise exchanged. Their love, a secret, for now, burned bright, a flickering flame that Jeong would fiercely protect.